Fantasy Football Sleepers: Keenum only getting better

By Sam Lane

Sports Blogger

@sam_lane18

Each week of the NFL season, you can find a list of sleepers here at the O’Zone. The fantasy point projections come from ESPN’s non-PPR weekly projections, the scoring format used is ESPN’s standard fantasy football format

Quarterback: Case Keenum, Minnesota Vikings

Projected points: 15.7

(Shutterbug459, Flickr)

In the Vikings three games since their Week 9 bye, Case Keenum is averaging 22.9 points per games and has removed any doubt of whether he should be the starter. In Week 13, Keenum will face the Atlanta Falcons, who are allowing 19.4 to opposing quarterbacks over their last four matchups. Keenum has solidified himself as a top-10 quarterback.

Running Back: Rod Smith, Dallas Cowboys

Projected points: 10.7

In the three weeks since the suspension of Ezekiel Elliott, Rod Smith’s touches have increased each week. In Week 12, Smith had a season-high 41 yards as well as scoring his first touchdown of the season. In Week 13, the Cowboys face division rival Washington Redskins, who are poor against the run.

Wide Receiver: Seth Roberts, Oakland Raiders

Projected points : 6.9

Although Seth Roberts has not been outstanding this season, Week 13 should bring an opportunity he has yet to have. Roberts will be the No. 1 wide receiver for the Raiders when they face the New York Giants. Amari Cooper is suffering from a concussion and an injured ankle while Michael Crabtree has been suspended two weeks because of a Week 12 fight. Against a weak Giants’ secondary, Roberts should get enough of an opportunity to replace the lost production of Cooper and Crabtree.

Tight End: Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills

Projected points: 5.2

In Week 12, Charles Clay ended the game with his highest score is the three weeks since he returned from injury. Four catches for 60 yards was Clay’s second-highest total for the season. In Week 13, Clay faces the New England Patriots, who are allowing 11.9 points to opposing tight ends.

Defense/ Special Teams: Oakland Raiders

Projected points: 6.4

Following the news that quarterback Geno Smith would get the start over Eli Manning, this matchup went from good to great. Along with Smith getting the start, the only viable option at receiver in Sterling Shepard is still questionable for Week 13. The Giants struggled with Shepard and Manning, so if you take them both away this could turn out to be a blowout.

Kicker: Patrick Murray, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected points: 8.1

Over his past three games, Patrick Murray is averaging 9.7 points per game. Murray is owned in only 4 percent of leagues, which makes him perfect for someone who is looking to change things up at the kicker position.